Hashtags have become a big part of public relations social-media outreach, in recent years. Nearly all PR campaigns can benefit from their intelligent use to make social content more searchable by topic. PR experts are well aware that hashtags can help spark brand conversations, expand content reach, engage a target audience and improve search and SEO.

Hashtags perform best when you view them as enhancements to quality content rather than as a replacement. But how did the hashtag become such an important part of social media and a content-organisation tool today?

Hashtags: A quick history

You probably first knew # as a numerical symbol, the pound key, or as the noughts-and-crosses board. Its incarnation as the hashtag has transformed language and communication for millions around the world. It can indicate where you’re posting from (#BritishMuseum) or what you’re posting about  (#BlackLivesMatter). But it has also shaped elections, launched social movements, and transcended its meaning as a mere keystroke to become a defining symbol of the digital age.

The hashtag was first used as a way to categorise and “tag” tweets in 2007. It slowly gained traction, before it suddenly went viral in 2009. Tweeters evolved hashtags into a form of parenthetical commentary on the rest of the tweet.

Soon, hashtags escaped Twitter, and spread, like wildfire, to Facebook, Tumblr, Pinterest, Instagram, YouTube, Google Plus, Facebook and other sites. They also entered everyday speech, where it is now acceptable to say things like “It’s spring! Hashtag excited!”

PR and hashtags Today

Social media strategies are integral to creating successful public relations campaigns. The importance of hashtags as a social media tool can also make or break campaigns. Instagram, Twitter and Facebook all use hashtags to attract new audiences and encourage public engagement and participation. 

Even for corporate brands, hashtags can help you tick off your social media campaign goals and be very valuable to your organisation. Customised hashtags should be personalised and showcase who you are as a brand. To distinguish yourself from other brands and demonstrate your passion for what you do.

Social media, hashtags are now used in relation to politics, TV shows, breaking news, celebrities, movie campaigns, activism and more. 

Curzon PR is a London-based PR firm working with clients globally. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Business Development Team [email protected]